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Sylvia Rhone to Receive BET Awards 2026 Ultimate Icon Award
Sylvia Rhone, the first Black woman to chair a major U.S. record label, will be honored with the Ultimate Icon Award at the 2026 BET Awards. The ceremony will air live on Sunday, June 28 from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The award recognizes individuals whose achievements have transcended their profession and reshaped culture.
BET’s description of the Ultimate Icon Award highlights its focus on trailblazers who have “redefined what is possible for future generations.” The honor is presented to executives, artists, and other industry leaders whose influence extends beyond personal success. Rhone’s career, spanning five decades, fits the award’s criteria.
Rhone began her industry journey as a secretary at Buddah Records in the 1970s. She advanced through roles at ABC Records and Ariola Records before joining Warner Music Group’s Elektra Entertainment Group. In 1994, at age 42, she became the first woman to lead a major record company when she was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Elektra Records. Her tenure at Elektra saw the label sign and develop artists such as Metallica, Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, En Vogue, and Natalie Merchant.
After Elektra, Rhone served as President of Universal Motown Records, where she oversaw acts including Akon, India.Arie, and Erykah Badu. She later became Chair and CEO of Epic Records, a position she held from 2019 until her resignation in 2025. Throughout her career, Rhone worked closely with a wide range of musicians, including Stevie Wonder, Lil Wayne, Tracy Chapman, Brandy, Kid Cudi, and Anita Baker.
Rhone’s influence extends beyond artist development. She has been credited with opening doors for women and people of color in executive roles, challenging a male‑dominated industry. Her departure from Epic in September 2025 marked the end of an era but did not diminish her legacy. Industry observers note that her leadership style—combining business acumen with a commitment to artistic integrity—has become a model for emerging executives.
BET’s Executive Vice President and Head of Programming, Connie Orlando, praised Rhone’s impact during the announcement. “Sylvia Rhone’s influence extends far beyond the music industry,” Orlando said. “She shattered barriers, championed talent, and redefined leadership. Her legacy continues to be reflected in the artists she supported and the leaders who have followed in her footsteps.”
The Ultimate Icon Award will be presented during the televised portion of the awards, which will also feature performances by contemporary artists and a host, Druski. The event is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET/PT and will be simulcast on BET, BET HER, CMT, LOGO, MTV, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Paramount, POP, VH1, Comedy Central, and TV Land.
In summary, Sylvia Rhone’s receipt of the BET Awards 2026 Ultimate Icon Award underscores her pioneering role in the music industry. Her career milestones—from her early days at Buddah Records to her leadership at Elektra, Universal Motown, and Epic—demonstrate a sustained commitment to nurturing talent and breaking industry barriers. The award recognizes her lasting influence on music business practices, artist development, and the broader cultural landscape.
BET’s description of the Ultimate Icon Award highlights its focus on trailblazers who have “redefined what is possible for future generations.” The honor is presented to executives, artists, and other industry leaders whose influence extends beyond personal success. Rhone’s career, spanning five decades, fits the award’s criteria.
Rhone began her industry journey as a secretary at Buddah Records in the 1970s. She advanced through roles at ABC Records and Ariola Records before joining Warner Music Group’s Elektra Entertainment Group. In 1994, at age 42, she became the first woman to lead a major record company when she was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Elektra Records. Her tenure at Elektra saw the label sign and develop artists such as Metallica, Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, En Vogue, and Natalie Merchant.
After Elektra, Rhone served as President of Universal Motown Records, where she oversaw acts including Akon, India.Arie, and Erykah Badu. She later became Chair and CEO of Epic Records, a position she held from 2019 until her resignation in 2025. Throughout her career, Rhone worked closely with a wide range of musicians, including Stevie Wonder, Lil Wayne, Tracy Chapman, Brandy, Kid Cudi, and Anita Baker.
Rhone’s influence extends beyond artist development. She has been credited with opening doors for women and people of color in executive roles, challenging a male‑dominated industry. Her departure from Epic in September 2025 marked the end of an era but did not diminish her legacy. Industry observers note that her leadership style—combining business acumen with a commitment to artistic integrity—has become a model for emerging executives.
BET’s Executive Vice President and Head of Programming, Connie Orlando, praised Rhone’s impact during the announcement. “Sylvia Rhone’s influence extends far beyond the music industry,” Orlando said. “She shattered barriers, championed talent, and redefined leadership. Her legacy continues to be reflected in the artists she supported and the leaders who have followed in her footsteps.”
The Ultimate Icon Award will be presented during the televised portion of the awards, which will also feature performances by contemporary artists and a host, Druski. The event is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET/PT and will be simulcast on BET, BET HER, CMT, LOGO, MTV, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Paramount, POP, VH1, Comedy Central, and TV Land.
In summary, Sylvia Rhone’s receipt of the BET Awards 2026 Ultimate Icon Award underscores her pioneering role in the music industry. Her career milestones—from her early days at Buddah Records to her leadership at Elektra, Universal Motown, and Epic—demonstrate a sustained commitment to nurturing talent and breaking industry barriers. The award recognizes her lasting influence on music business practices, artist development, and the broader cultural landscape.